Ron Burgundy, a stand-up guy at Gingrich book signing here

"Anchorman" Ron Burgundy, flanked by Callista and Newt Gingrich, hold their new books at Warwick's in La Jolla where the former Congressman and his wife had a book signing on Nov. 19. A memoir by the fictitious anchorman was published the same day.
— Courtesy of Warwick's bookstore

"Anchorman" Ron Burgundy, flanked by Callista and Newt Gingrich, hold their new books at Warwick's in La Jolla where the former Congressman and his wife had a book signing on Nov. 19. A memoir by the fictitious anchorman was published the same day.
/ Courtesy of Warwick's bookstore

Newt Gingrich and his wife, Callista, had some unexpected competition when they reported to Warwick’s Tuesday to sign their respective new books.

Standing in the La Jolla bookstore was a smiling life-size cutout of Ron Burgundy holding his new memoir.

“Oh, look, Ron’s watching us,” quipped Newt.

Yes, the fictional “Anchorman” film character played by Will Ferrell has published a biography: “Let Me Off at the Top!: My Classy Life and Other Musings.”

His book, with a release date of Nov. 19, contains an author’s note modestly portraying it as “an important work from an important man.” He writes, “I was the number one News Anchor in all of San Diego… My name is Ron Burgundy and what you have in your hands is a very big deal. It’s my… life. It’s my words. It’s my gift to you.”

Of course, his gift has a list price of $22. Burgundy’s exploits run from hunting jackalopes with Bobby Kennedy and Peter Lawford to hobnobbing with celebrities — and, more to the point, celebrities’ wives.

Warwick’s event director, Julie Slavinsky, said she tried unsuccessfully to schedule a book signing with Ferrell. Instead, she had to settle for the cutout, which went only to a few select bookstores.

But Ron Burgundy’s presence was truly felt. Newt and Callista gamely stationed themselves on either side of the mustachioed Burgundy cutout for a photo op, holding their new books, “Breakout” and “Yankee Doodle Dandy,” respectively. Afterward, Callista tweeted the trio’s photo, noting: “@newtgingrich and I had a great book signing @warwicksbooks. Surprised to see @ronburgundy.”

“They thought it was hilarious,” said Slavinsky, concluding the Gingriches were a classy couple.